Al Uzama’s calligraphy masterpiece dazzles Quran audience

His spectacular calligraphy chef-d'oeuvre, featuring two words meaning ‘Refined Raiment’, has enthralled the audience of the Award who had a chance to view a variety of calligraphy masterworks at 10.30pm every night.

Dubai – The Islamic & Arabic calligraphy exhibition being held on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award saw an impressive stroke of genius by the late prominent Turkish calligrapher Hassan Sarai Khadem Al Uzama.

His spectacular calligraphy chef-d'oeuvre, featuring two words meaning ‘Refined Raiment’, has enthralled the audience of the Award who had a chance to view a variety of calligraphy masterworks at 10.30pm every night.

The Gallery, to be held on an annual basis, is being run in collaboration with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) where the international competition is taking place over the period from Ramadan 01 to 18.

Late calligrapher Hassan Sarai Khadem Al Uzama was born in 1836 in Kayakoy on the west bank of the Bosphorus strategic waterway, Turkey. His father was one of the most prominent teachers at the Sulaimaniya Mosque.

Al Uzama, one of the most talented Turkish artists known for his strokes of genius calligraphy, studied at the elementary school in his district where he also learnt the holy Quran and calligraphy under Shaikh Mohammed Amin Effendi, Master of the Raufi Almshouse.

Being dedicated to the art of calligraphy, he continued his study at the hand of Judge Mustafa Ezzat, following which he joined the Mawlawi School where he studied music and calligraphy.

He even was promoted until he chaired a class for Zikr at the Sunbul Effendi Almshouse for a long time. He taught calligraphy to a big number of students. Well ahead, he joined the ministry of justice and held several posts in the Trade Council.

Al Uzama died in 1907 leaving behind an outstanding collection of inspiring calligraphy works of art, including 48 small and big-seized boards in the Thuluth and Naskh scripts.

H.E Ibrahim Bu Melha, Head of the Award Organising Committee, who is also Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, said the function is a quantum addition to the diverse activities of the competition annually held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The Exhibition displays how government departments can typically collaborate to run events and exhibitions in an outstanding way, and give a boost to the position of the emirate of Dubai regionally and internationally.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE